IOM Junior Hockey Squads, sponsored by OAK Group, pre-season preparations, continued last weekend when five teams travelled to play in Sedbergh, Otley or Preston. Unfortunately, the U14 Boys planned trip to Bowdon was scuppered by the weather.
All teams put on impressive displays building their previous matches and squad training sessions, setting them up well for this season’s England Hockey Junior Club Champoinships which start in October.
Isle of Man U14 Girls 13-0 Ben Rhydding U14
First to play in Otley on Saturday were IOM U14 girls against Ben Rhydding Hockey Club in Otley, Yorkhire. In spite of an early start the team, which featured five IOM debutantes, settled quickly and dominated from the outset. Despite never having played together as a team, the group showed great maturity in their play and produced an excellent performance with exceptional play across the whole group. Gracie Evans impressed on the forward line scoring 6 goals in total. She was ablely assisted by excellent foward play from both Scarlett Compton Heavey with 2 goals and Rhea Maher also adding to the tally. A rare goal for Darcy Killey together with a debut goal for younger sister Poppy Killey with player of the match Autumn Ryles completing the 13 – 0 scoreline with two late goals. Bonnie Ellison dominated in midfield and great energy was shown by Saoirse Gell alongside her. Debutants Charlotte Mackenzie and Heidi Miller showed some excellent skill and decision making with great link up play. The defensive line up of Nika Vogel, Darcey Killey, Erin Fox and Bethany Chapman Beale was immense with very little getting through and real composure shown by all with a very positive distribution of the ball. Darcey Gilbert whilst rarely troubled in the goal was on hand when called for and ensured the team maintained their clean sheet. This was an outstanding performance by the team in what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Sam Franklin
Isle of Man U16 Girls 6-1 Ben Rhydding U16
U16s girls played their final pre-season friendly, and after a difficult game the week prior were ready to apply their learnings from the match and training sessions to secure a win this time around.
The first half produced lots of goalscoring opportunities for our forwards, constantly troubling the Ben Rhydding goalkeeper who made a series of impressive saves in an attempt to prevent the IOM from opening the scoring. Though it didn’t take long for the girls to convert a chance, with a goal coming from a well worked short corner finished off by Sophie Partington at the near post.
The defence did an excellent job of absorbing any Ben Rhydding pressure, allowing no opposition shots in the first half. Our midfield controlled the game well with Faith Watterson (C) at DM who constantly looked to play through the lines to find the inners and forwards. Sophie Partington then got her second goal of the game following a brilliant run down the right wing, calmly slotting the ball past the keeper. The third goal of the first half came after a period of good possession finished off by Anna Wilson on her debut, giving a 3-0 lead at half time.
At the beginning of the second half Amira Crookall won the ball on the half way line, she forged a mazy run through the middle of the pitch finishing with a goal. Amira then moved from midfield to attack and made the most of the opportunity scoring a further 2 goals, completing her hattrick for the game. In the last minute of the game, Ben Rhydding got their first real chance and after an unfortunate deflection the ball found its way into the back of the IOM net. This didn’t dampen the girls spirits, as the excellent play displayed throughout the game gave them lots of confidence for the season ahead.
Opposition POTM went to Faith Watterson and team POTM went to Amira Crookall. This game was a vast improvement on last week, the girls took everything they’d learned and applied it, giving them a thoroughly deserved win. Rachael Middleton
Isle of Man Boys U16s 5–1 Preston U16s
The Isle of Man Under-16 boys’ hockey team produced a dominant second-half performance to secure a resounding 5–1 win over Preston in an exciting pre-season fixture this weekend.
The opening two quarters saw the Manx side start brightly, creating a number of promising chances, but their finishing touch deserted them as opportunities went begging. Despite commanding possession and dictating the tempo, the scoreboard remained unchanged at half time, leaving the contest finely poised.
The breakthrough finally came in the third quarter, with sharper movement in the attacking circle and better positioning in front of goal proving decisive. Once the first strike landed, the floodgates opened. Goals came from Oli Christian, Liam Harrison (who calmly converted a penalty flick), Henry Stewart, Caleb Blakemore, and Val Cosgrave, as the Isle of Man took full control of the game. Preston’s only reply came from the penalty spot themselves, but the Manx side never looked like surrendering their lead.
The defensive spine of the team was just as impressive as the attacking flair. Lucas Adams, voted Players’ Man of the Match, was immense, switching seamlessly between centre back and defensive midfield. His composure on the ball and ability to break up Preston attacks gave the Isle of Man the platform to build wave after wave of pressure.
Coaches’ Man of the Match went to Cal Joyce, who put in a selfless display full of intelligent off-the-ball movement. His work rate and tactical discipline created space for his teammates, and he directly set up three of the five goals with smart assists.
It was a performance that showed maturity, patience, and attacking quality, leaving the Isle of Man U16s full of confidence for their next outing in October. Paul Nuttall
In a change to previous seasons, the IOM U18 teams were entered into the NW Senior Tournamnets in Sedbergh and both Girls and Boys shone againg senior oppositions, with the U18 Boys securing second place.
IOM U18 Girls
The Isle of Man U18 girls’ hockey team delivered an impressive series of performances at the Women’s Sedbergh tournament, despite facing tough competition and coming up short in a few matches. Under the leadership of Captain Ela Blakemore, the team showed great resilience and improvement throughout the day.
IOM U18 Girls 0 – 2 Sedbergh School
In their opening game against Sedbergh School, the team struggled to break through a well drilled defence. Despite the defeat, there was clear progress from last week’s result, with the team experimenting with a new 3-2-3-2 formation. PotM: Ela Blakemore for her exceptional communication and stick skills.
IOM U18 Girls 1 – 2 Liverpool Sefton
Next up was a physical battle with Liverpool Sefton. The team fought hard but were narrowly beaten 2-1. Lucy Cartwright scored the team’s sole goal from a well-executed short corner. PotM: Isla Collister making crucial tackles in defence, keeping the opposition at bay for long periods.
IOM U18 Girls 3 – 3 Fylde
The third match saw the IOM showcasing their resilience after falling 3-1 down to Fylde. They had gone 1-0 up early thanks to another powerful short corner strike from Lucy Cartwright, but Fylde responded strongly. The IOM U18’s responded to a flurry of goals and started to dominate possession, creating wave after wave of chances. Evie Watterson scored from a short corner, and Cartwright added a second to secure a 3-3 draw. Watterson was named PotM for her dynamic performance.
IOM U18 Girls 2 – 1 Longridge
In a thrilling encounter against Longridge, the Isle of Man girls secured their first victory of the tournament. Evie Watterson calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper on her reverse to give her team the lead, before a stunning deflection from Summer Craig which doubled the advantage. Craig’s relentless work rate earned her the PotM award.
IOM U18 Girls 0 – 0 Preston
In a tense stalemate with Preston, both teams had their chances but were unable to find the back of the net. Preston missed a key flick, and the game ended 0-0. Zoe Bridson was named PotM for her positive play and drive throughout the match.
Lucy Cartwright was awarded Player of the Tournament by her teammates for her outstanding performances, positive attitude, and clinical short corner strikes. Overall, the Isle of Man U18 girls’ team showed incredible spirit, determination, and skill, with promising signs for the future as they look to build on this experience. Hannah Leece.
IOM U18 Boys
The Under 18 island boys team travelled to Sedbergh School to compete in the highly anticipated Men’s North West Tournament, where we faced a strong field of opposition in a challenging yet rewarding day of hockey.
Across six matches and being the only U18 side, the team put in a spirited performance, finishing second overall with a record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss. The effort, teamwork, and determination shown throughout the day reflected the squad’s commitment and growing cohesion.
Goal Scorers:
* Kyle Gunnion – 3 goals
* Cameron Roome – 2 goals
* Josh Kaighin – 1 goal
* Douglas Quayle – 1 goal
Kyle Gunnion was a standout presence throughout the tournament, demonstrating sharp attacking instincts and clinical finishing in front of goal. His ability to find space and convert chances proved vital in keeping us competitive in every game.
At the other end of the pitch, Ross Grimley delivered a series of commanding performances between the posts. His reflex saves and strong positional awareness were instrumental, particularly in the tighter matches where points could have easily slipped away. His consistency gave the team much-needed confidence under pressure.
Despite sunny spells earlier in the day, conditions became more challenging towards the end, with heavy rain adding another layer of difficulty. The team responded well to the changing weather, adapting their play and maintaining focus.
Results (the team played everyone twice):
Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 1-1 IOM U18
IOM U18 1-1 Southport
IOM U18 0-2 Preston
IOM U18 3-1 Clitheroe Blackburn Northern
Southport 0-1 IOM U18
The tournament was a strong test of resilience and teamwork, and finishing second is a credit to the effort and preparation put in by every player. With continued development and the same level of commitment, this group shows great promise for future competitions. Ross Grimley.
Manx Hockey Association and the junior squads would like to thank sponsors Oak Group very much for their continued support as it helps make trips such as these possible.